Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1887-12-23

another dazzling shaft from those
great eyes. ~ should be glad to
see you here, Mr.. Campbell"
Fredstammered his thanks, press.
ed the little hand and strobe down
the drive, treading on fgurative
rubber pedals. If any one had
mentioned Miss Ethel's name to
him then he would have gazed in
blank amazement. Yes, it cannot
be denied, Fred Campbell was very
much in love. He found his steed
where he had left it, and rode home
slowly, saying, ayes, very" rather
absently, IN response to his sisters
inquiry as to whether he had a
pleasant ride or not. He was not
so badly smitten as to prevent his
enjoying his roast beef and pud-
ding, however, and his father
beamed approvingly at him. Obi
cycling is a fine sport, my boy, in
nocent and harmless" But the
good old gentleman did not notice
the blush that Fred chose to ex-
plain with a choke and gurgle.-
After dinner he stood with his sis
ters hand drawn through his arm,
looking off upon the gray Christ
mas evening. Star after star glim-
mered out, and finally the huge
orange disk of the moon rose over
the larches. "Beth, do you know
May Ashley ?" he asked, abruptly.
"Wbo, no, Fred; that is, l have
met her twice this season, but have
ouly bowling acquaintance with
her. Why?" she asked, looking
at him curiously, "Oh, nothing, on
ly l though. l remembered hearing
YOU speak Of her, and merely asked
for the sake of saying something"
hastily rejoined this very naughty
fellow.
"She is said TO be little odd ;
bat she is certainly very charming"
said Beth.
"By Jove yesw muttered Fred,
under his breath; and then, gently
releasing himself, he donned his
cap and strolled out the lawn,
where his bicycle, resting against
post, glimmered in the moonlight.
He regarded it a minute, then
wheeled it suddenly into the drive,
sprang into the saddle and flew
down the road. AS he bowled out
upon the Avon pike, the moonlight
cast a grotesque shadow in front
of him, as If an ape, perched upon
a stick, we're making frantic efforts
to get of.
Fred rode vigorously, as if the
exercise was great relief to his
feelings, and then suddenly pulled
up as the great gates of Ashcroft
came in sight. He hesitated a mo-
ment, almost motionless, then turn
ed up the driye. There was great
deal of shrubbery around the house;
he would not 60 in, but would
quietly ride around, and perhaps,
catch a glimpse of the fair trey
clist, unobserved. A drawing-room
curtain was drawn Fred dismount-
ed and drew back in the shadow,
waiting. At the same moment a
step was heard on the gravel, and
a young cycler came briskly along
the path. He was rather short and
slight, was tastefully dressed in
dark blue knicks and polo cap
upon which a badge sparkled, and
he wheeled a forty-eight" semi
racer, full nickel, OF beautiful de.
sign and finish. "By JOye here's
young Ashley thought our love-
sick 'cycler; 81 must get out of
this" BE came out upon the drive
and walked slowly up to meet the
boy. A glimpse of his face in the
moonlight showed Fred that he
was not over fifteen.
"Beg pardon but | must have
struck private drive, have l notp
said Fred shamelessly.
eyes, sir; this is Ashcroft" an
swered the youth, pleasantly.
"And you, my boy, are a young
Ashley, just out for moonlight
spin ~ said Fred, with true sophie
moric condescenslon. "My name
is Campbell; suppose we take our
ride together"
"Thank you, that would be jolly;
shall ge start ~ Fred gazed adj
miringly at the little fellow as he
vaulted lightly by the pedal into
the pigskin, and said. soto oOce,
"He's got the family accent. Won
der if could pump him about his
sister," Fred mounted and rode
up alongside of his companion,
who was pedalling along with that
careless ease so natural to young
riders.
"YOu ride a great deal, don't
you 7" asked Fred.
"Oh yes, sir" answered the boy,
heartily.
"And enjoy it, too, see" quoth
our hero; "what do you think of
tricycling 7"
81 don't think it is quite safe, al
ways" answered young Ashley,
casting a mischievous glance at
Fred, which he, however, did not
see.